Betty L. Casarez

Betty L. Casarez (nee Fox), 88, of Lorain, passed away, unexpectedly Friday, November 23, 2012, at Community Health Partners Regional Medical Center in Lorain. Mrs. Casarez was born in Altus, Oklahoma, on October 20, 1924, the daughter of the late Brenner B. and Jamie H. (nee Ponder) Fox.

She was a graduate of Brackenridge High School, earned her diploma of Nursing from Baptist Memorial Hospital in San Antonio, Texas, her Bachelor of science in nursing from University of Mary Hardin Baylor, Belton, Texas and a Masters Degree in Education from South Western Baptist University in Fort Worth, Texas.

Mrs. Casarez was a devoted member of the Good Shepherd Baptist Church in Amherst, She served God as a Missionary in Fort Worth Texas, Sunday School teacher, Prayer Chain member and a member of the International Mission Board-Southern Baptist Convention.

She was a retired registered nurse, assigned as a nurse educator and staff development coordinator at Elyria Memorial Hospital in Elyria, retiring in 1989. Her nursing career spanned over 30 years. She also served at the former St. Joseph’s Hospital, as a supervisor at Lorain Community Hospital, substitute teacher for the Lorain City Schools, taught Cardiopulmonary resuscitation at Lorain County Community College, and was instrumental in developing the cardiac program at EMH, and she taught at MBJ School of Nursing at Elyria Memorial Hospital.

Mrs. Casarez was a member of the American Nursing Association and the Ohio Nursing Association, and the former YMCA in Lorain.

She loved her Church and was a published author, writing “Me and the Hymns” in 2011. She also enjoyed photography, especially her family, computers, and teaching.

Mrs. Casarez held her nursing license until 2010. She also served in the Army Air Corps-Supply Depot at Kelly Field in San Antonio, Texas from 1942-1945.

Mrs. Casarez is survived by her daughters, Nancy Figueroa of Amherst, Deborah Gawarecki of Del Valle, Texas, Ginny Smith, of Sheffield Lake, Priscilla Swyers, of Lorain; son, Caleb Casarez, also of Lorain; 11 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; sisters, Patricia Temple, of San Antonio, Texas; brothers John Fox, James Fox, both of Hondo, Texas; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Samuel R. Casarez in 2003; daughter, Jamie J. Casarez; granddaughter, Melissa Casarez; great grandson, Samuel Casarez; and sisters, Margaret Hartley, Virginia Baertich, and Blanche “Spooky” Sexauer.

Friends may call Monday, November 26, 2012, from 4 until 7 P.M., in the Schwartz, Spence, Boyer & Cool Home For Funerals, 1124 W. 5th Street, Lorain. Funeral Services will be at 11 A.M., Tuesday, November 27, 2012, in the funeral home, with Pastor Steven Mayes, Pastor of the Good Shepherd Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will be private.

The family suggests that memorial contributions may be made to Missionary Offering At Good Shepherd Baptist Church, 1100 Cleveland Ave., Amherst, OH 44001.